Monica McDaniel, a former News Anchor and PR Manager for the Odessa Police Department, is the Director of Communications for the City of Odessa. She’s an award-winning storyteller who's been honored with numerous awards.
They include Edward R Murrow Awards, Telly Awards, an Emmy, and aRIAS Fellow Award (TV) to name a few. The RIAS Fellow Award was for "Beyond Borders." She shot, wrote, edited and served as talent for the 2020 Documentary. She one of five winners for the RIAS Awards including Bill Whitaker of 60 minutes. Monica was also chosen as the Runner-Up for "Diamond Journalist" of the years a couple of times in her career.
The Odessan has also been chosen for a couple of prestigious fellowships. As part of the RIAS Berlin Commission journalism fellowship, she traveled to Germany and Belgium and met with leaders from the EU, NATO and US Embassy. She was also chosen for Journalist Law School, a fellowship through Loyola Law School.
When it comes to education, she has a B.A. from the University of Houston in Radio/Television and a certification from OSC Computer Training in Social Media/Web Design.
In her spare time, she serves as Vice President of the local Chi Omega Alumnae Group and does Marketing for West Texas Gifts of Hope (helps patients through the cancer journey). Monica is also a 2022 Leadership Odessa Graduate and was honored with theCongeniality Award. She was also an Odessa Rotarian. You can read more about her career here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicanews
Monica is married to DeWane McDaniel, a Midland firefighter. The two share three fur babies: Chugs (who's almost 16. years old), Fifi (a poodle) and Penny the Pug. They both enjoy working out and spending time with family and friends as well as traveling.